Porirua Union & Community Health Service (PUCHS) is a not-for-profit, low-cost health provider that has been delivering quality primary healthcare to the wider Porirua area since 1990. With a diverse and highly skilled clinical team, PUCHS offers a broad range of healthcare services designed to support affordability, accessibility and comprehensive care for the local community.
Core services include general medical care, women's health screenings, Rangatahi (youth) health services, a diabetes clinic, respiratory care, immunisations, and mental health support. PUCHS also runs a Community Support Team including a Health Coach, Community Health Worker, Health Improvement Practitioner and Cross-Cultural Worker, alongside a clinical pharmacist and an outreach service for individuals and whānau who face barriers to traditional health services.
Beyond its core clinical team, PUCHS connects patients with a podiatrist, physiotherapist, midwife, dietician and paediatric eczema specialist, and is involved in ongoing health research projects relevant to its community. For after-hours and urgent care, PUCHS partners with Practice Plus for virtual GP consultations, alongside the free 24-hour Healthline service.
Porirua Union & Community Health Service (PUCHS) has been delivering primary healthcare to the wider Porirua community since 1990, operating as a not-for-profit, low-cost health provider. The organisation's mission centres on affordability, accessibility and comprehensive care, aiming to support patients in achieving their best health and living a full, happy life.
At its core, PUCHS provides general medical care focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health conditions, supported by regular check-ups and timely interventions from an experienced team of GPs and nurses. The practice also uses secure AI tools to assist with transcribing clinical notes when needed, always with patient consent and in line with strict privacy and data protection standards.
Beyond general practice, PUCHS offers a range of services designed around specific community needs. Women's health services include tailored screenings such as breast exams and cervical screening, aimed at early detection and prevention. Rangatahi (youth) health services provide youth-friendly care covering physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, including sexual health support. For patients managing long-term conditions, the diabetes clinic and respiratory care services focus on ongoing monitoring, education and culturally responsive support.
PUCHS places a strong emphasis on holistic, community-based care. Its outreach service is designed for individuals and whānau who may face barriers to traditional health services, while the Community Support Team — made up of a Health Coach, Community Health Worker, Health Improvement Practitioner, and Cross-Cultural Worker — works alongside patients to help them navigate life's challenges and reach their health goals. A clinical pharmacist also works closely with patients and the wider healthcare team to review medications and support safe, effective use.
Mental health support is offered through counselling, assessments and tailored care plans for individuals and whānau. PUCHS also connects patients with a wider network of allied health professionals, including a podiatrist, physiotherapist, midwife, dietician, and a paediatric eczema specialist — giving patients access to a broader circle of care without needing to seek out multiple separate providers.
PUCHS is actively involved in health research relevant to its community, with published work covering topics such as immunisation outcomes, diabetes care in high-needs populations, and cervical cancer screening acceptability among under-screened Māori and Pasifika women. This research focus reflects the organisation's broader commitment to understanding and improving health outcomes for the communities it serves.
PUCHS partners with Practice Plus to offer same-day, after-hours virtual GP consultations for patients, available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and closed on public and statutory holidays. Outside of these hours, patients can contact PUCHS After Hours or the free 24-hour Healthline on 0800 611 116, with genuine emergencies directed to call 111 for an ambulance. Patients can also access their health information through the ManageMyHealth patient portal. Please note PUCHS is currently at capacity for new patient enrolments.
Porirua Union & Community Health Service is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, closed on weekends and public holidays. The practice can be reached by phone for appointments, enquiries, or to book a flu vaccination when available.